Winter tyres and snow chains in Sweden with a rental car (2026-27)
According to the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen), checked on 30 October 2026, from 1 December to 31 March cars must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment when there are winter conditions on the road (snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of it); the tyres must carry the Alpine symbol or be studded, with a tread depth of at least 3 millimetres, and the rules also apply to cars registered abroad.
Local orders and road signs come first. We quote governments, police forces and road safety agencies word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Before you drive, check the signs on your route and ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
At a glance
| Obligation | Only in winter conditions – snow, ice, slush or frost on the road |
|---|---|
| Period | 1 December – 31 March |
| Snow chains | Named as “equivalent equipment” in the part on heavy vehicles |
| Rental cars | Not covered by the official pages: ask the rental company |
| Checked | 30 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
When the rule applies
When there are winter conditions on the road during the period from December 1st to March 31st, requirement of winter tyres or equivalent equipment applies to private car class I, private car class II (camper), light truck, light bus with a maximum total weight of 3.5 metric tons, and trailers towed by these vehicles.
The road conditions are considered to be wintry when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. The Swedish Police decide whether there are wintry conditions on a certain road.
Source: Transportstyrelsen: Winter tyres (Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Where it applies
The requirements apply to vehicles registered in Sweden as well as abroad.
Source: Transportstyrelsen: Winter tyres (Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Which tyres count
The tyres for these vehicles must be marked with the "Alpine" symbol (3-peak-mountain with snowflake), or be studded.
The depth of the tyre tread has to be at least 3 millimeters during wintry road conditions.
It is allowed to use studded tyres between October 1st to April 15th.
Source: Transportstyrelsen: Winter tyres (Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Snow chains
Equivalent equipment refers to, among other things, snow chains and sand spreader, should be considered as winter tyres.
Source: Transportstyrelsen: Winter tyres (Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
With a rental car
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Hire a car in Sweden
Hiring a car in Sweden this winter? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Before you book, ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
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Other countries
Questions
Are winter tyres mandatory in Sweden?
In winter road conditions, yes. The Swedish Transport Agency says: “When there are winter conditions on the road during the period from December 1st to March 31st, requirement of winter tyres or equivalent equipment applies to private car class I, private car class II (camper), light truck, light bus with a maximum total weight of 3.5 metric tons, and trailers towed by these vehicles.”
What are the winter tyre dates in Sweden?
The Swedish Transport Agency says: “When there are winter conditions on the road during the period from December 1st to March 31st, requirement of winter tyres or equivalent equipment applies to private car class I, private car class II (camper), light truck, light bus with a maximum total weight of 3.5 metric tons, and trailers towed by these vehicles.” “It is allowed to use studded tyres between October 1st to April 15th.”
Do I need winter tyres in Sweden with a car from another country?
The Swedish Transport Agency says: “The requirements apply to vehicles registered in Sweden as well as abroad.”
Does a rental car in Sweden come with winter tyres or snow chains?
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Where does this answer come from?
From the official pages of the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen), read on 30 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page (with our translation when the page is not in English). It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Winter tyres with a rental car: all countries.